For the first time since the very beginning of the Montreal series the Carolina Hurricanes have lost two straight. For the first time since the Buffalo game in the final contest of the regular season, the Canes failed to score a goal. It has been a wondrous playoff run for the Carolina Hurricanes, coming within one score of capturing the Stanley Cup. But now it appears the Canes' high energy attack is stuck in neutral.
Edmonton really began to gain momentum in this series in the third period of game five. The Oilers held the Canes to three shots in that period-none in the overtime. The Canes produced only 11 shots on goal in game six. So, this explosive team has managed fewer than 15 shots in its last four periods of play.
Not even Erik Cole's dramatic return from injury could help Saturday night in Edmonton. For two periods, Cole was, in the opinion of Coach Peter Laviolette, Carolina's best forward. But he received little help.
This Canes' team is not known for physical play, but it normally counteracts aggression by skating and puck pressure. In game six the Canes were not only outhit, but outskated. Perhaps the impact of the long seven game series against Buffalo has caught up with the Canes. Or maybe this extensive travel, to which Edmonton is much more accustomed, has left them leg weary.
Teams that take a 3-1 lead in this series with home ice, are 18-0 in terms of winning the Stanley Cup. Teams that host game seven in the Stanley Cup Final are 11-2. But while the historical numbers still favor the Canes, the momentum in this series has clearly shifted Edmonton's way. For four periods the Oilers have been physical and rock-solid defensively. They have also re-discovered their power play.
Peter Laviolette and the locker room leaders must find a way to re-energize this team, because the layoff from Edmonton back to Raleigh will be one day shorter than the time between games five and six. The Canes haven't owned a lead since 2-1 early in game five. They desperately need a strong start to keep the crowd noise ringing through the RBC Center. Laviolette says the Canes must skate. Skate and hit. Skate and defend. Skate and score. They can't afford eight trips to the penalty box in Raleigh. It's a one game season.
